Abstract: A second region (12) composed of a plane is formed around a first region (11) having a lens function, and a third region (13) is formed between the first region and the second region. A protection film (24) is formed on the surface of the first region 1. The first region is protruded relative to the second region, the third region is formed throughout the rim of the first region 1, and the surface of the third region is recessed relative to a virtual curved surface (11a) that is a curved surface along the surface shape of the first region being extended to the second region. Consequently, it is possible to form throughout the first region a protection film having a surface shape that substantially matches the surface shape of the first region.

Abstract: In a bonded optical element, a second optical element is bonded to a first optical element by forming the second optical element by heating and pressing against the first optical element a second optical element material. The second optical element includes an element body part and a contact part extending from the element body part to be in contact with the outer peripheral face of the first optical element.

Abstract: An objective optical system for endoscopes has, in order form the object side, a single lens with negative power, a cemented lens with positive power, and an image sensor unit. The cemented lens has a plano-convex lens, located at the image-side end, with a convex surface facing the image side and an aperture stop placed proximate to a cemented portion and the image sensor unit includes an optically cemented body of at least one optical part, a path bending prism, and a solid-state image sensor to satisfy the following conditions: 1.5<TB/f<3.5 2.4<TC/f<4 where f is the focal length of the whole of the objective optical system, TB is the optical path length of the cemented lens, and TC is the optical path length of the image sensor unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is characterized by providing an optical transfer function between a predetermined illuminated surface pattern, such as a street light pattern, and a predetermined energy distribution pattern of a light source, such as that from an LED. A lens is formed having a shape defined by the optical transfer function. The optical transfer function is derived by generating an energy distribution pattern using the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. Then the projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is generated. The projection is then compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern to determine if it acceptably matches. The process continues reiteratively until an acceptable match is achieved.

Abstract: The current invention describes the method of making symmetrical radiation of extremely asymmetrical light sources, e.g. laser diode bars, using the shaper of three optical elements that preserve the brightness of the initial light source. The first element of the shaper-collimator of the fast axis-images the light source in the direction of the fast axis directly into the output plain of the shaper. The second and the third element of the shaper are the multi-segment elements that separate and optimally redistribute different beams and focus these in the direction of the slow axis. The surfaces of the shaper optical elements are described by the surfaces of the second and higher order, which enables compensation of different distortions, for instance field curvature aberration, distortion caused by the light source bending, etc. The shaper offers optimal order of secondary beam redistribution that has the least possible impact on the initial beam brightness.

Abstract: An optical member 15 is constituted by sticking a lens sheet 28 capable of transmitting light irradiated toward a liquid crystal panel 11 and a diffuser sheet 27 together. The lens sheet 28 is provided with a lens portion 30 having a large number of unit lenses 29 aligned on the front surface, while on the rear surface, provided with a reflecting layer 32 having an opening 31 corresponding to the lens portion 30. The optical member 15 is received on the backside by receiving members 21 and 24 provided respectively in a holder 17 and a lamp holder 16, while being held from the front by a frame 18. A protrusion 33 is provided in the receiving member 24 in the holder 17, which supports the optical member 15 in a posture so that the edge 15a of the optical member 15 and the arrangement of the unit lenses 29 are inclined relatively to the arrangement of the pixel electrodes PE in the liquid crystal panel 11, by abutting an outer circumferential end surface 15b in the optical member 15.

Abstract: A lens includes an incidence surface and an emission surface. The emission surface includes an effective area and a non-effective area around the effective area. The non-effective area includes a first effective area located at the center of the effective area and a second effective area around the first effective area. The first effective area is three fifths of the effective area. A number of recesses formed on the surface of the first effective area and substantially over the entire first effective area.

Abstract: An optical sensor having a light source (3) and a structured front plate (11), which expands the focused light beam (9) of the light source (3) at least in one direction. In one advantageous construction, the structure includes an array with several cylindrical lenses (11). They are preferably constructed by hot stamping the surface the front plate (11). The expanded light beam (9) is suitable, in particular, for detecting narrow objects (1) or edges. The light source (3) and the front plate (11) are each aligned relative to the sensor housing (12).

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system providing a microlens having a substantially flat upper surface and having a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern in a microlens material which produces a focal point at a desired location.

Abstract: Accurate lens substrates on a waferscale are obtained by forming a polymer material on a lens surface formed on a lens wafer. The substrate may also be thinned by the glass lens surface forming process at the portion of the lens. The polymer material may have the same or different optical properties (refractive index and dispersion) as the lens wafer.

Abstract: A multi-function lens module includes a cylindrical first part and a second part. The first part includes a peripheral side wall and defines an inner space; and the first part has a central axis. The second part is received in the inner space of the first part. The first part is capable of rotating relative to the second part. The first part defines at lease two pairs of openings. Each pair of openings is symmetric about the central axis. A first pair of the openings is configured for accommodating first optical elements. A second pair of the openings is configured for accommodating second optical elements. The second part defines a first through hole. The first through hole receives a third optical element.

Abstract: A microlens having a plurality of lens material units separated by a plurality of trenches and a method of forming the same is disclosed. The relationship of the trenches to the lens material is such that an average index of refraction of the microlens decreases from a center to an edge of the microlens.

Abstract: The invention provides a lens for an optical module adapted to be mounted in a lighting apparatus for a motor vehicle. The lens comprises two distinct materials associated with each other and having different refractive indices.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system providing a microlens having a substantially flat upper surface and having a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern in a microlens material which produces a focal point at a desired location.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens assembly includes at least one lens group, and at least one optical lens module. The optical lens module includes multiple portions distributed in turn around a central axis of the optical lens module, wherein at least one of the multiple portions has a thickness different from its neighboring portions, and each portion of the optical lens module is selectively aligned in an optical path of the lens group.

Abstract: Provided are a method of fabricating a microlens using selective etching of a compound semi-conductor and a method of fabricating a photoelectric device having the microlens. The formation of the microlens includes patterning a compound semiconductor layer and removing a lateral surface of the compound semiconductor layer to form a roughly hemispheric lens. The lateral surface of the compound semiconductor layer is removed by a digital alloy method. In particular, the lateral surface of the compound semiconductor layer is removed by a wet etching process.

Abstract: A method of homogenizing light includes the steps of providing a plurality of large diameter lenses selected from a group of lenses consisting of positive or negative spherical, positive or negative cylindrical lenses and positive or negative axicons, selecting a predetermined number of lenses from the group of lenses, segmenting each selected lens in a manner common to all selected lenses, selecting from each lens a predetermined number of lens segments, and arranging the selected lens segments in a predetermined array so that the light passing through each lens segment, when arranged in the predetermined array, recombines at a common plane.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for spatial homogenization and focusing of electromagnetic radiation over an aperture to reduce the effects of atmospheric scintillation generally includes an optical lens having an at least partially undulating pattern mapped onto a curvilinear surface. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to eliminate or otherwise reduce the effects of atmospheric scintillation as well as other optical aberrations. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved systems and methods for the acquisition, tracking and engagement of military targets with missiles or other guided ordinance.

Abstract: There is provided a micro lens array (11) in which a plurality of micro lenses (21) is disposed two-dimensionally on a substrate, wherein the focal distance f of the micro lens (21) and distance Ts from the main surface of the micro lens (21) to the substrate surface upon which light is incident meet the following X=Ts/?{square root over (2)}P, Y=f/?{square root over (2)}P where P is a pitch of the micro lenses (21) and (X, Y) is within an X-Y coordinate system surrounded by the following point sets (0.75, 1.00), (0.75, 1.25), (1.00, 1.75), (1.75, 2.50), (2.25, 2.50), (2.25, 2.00), (1.50, 1.25), (1.00, 1.00). The micro lens array can be used to improve the contrast of a liquid crystal display having an optical compensation element provided therein.

Abstract: An imaging optical system capable of moving a meridian image plane further closer to an ideal imaging plane vertical to an optical axis with the number of lenses kept constant. At least one plane of at least one optical element and including at least one optical element is divided into at least one zonal area surrounding an optical axis and a center area including the optical axis.

Abstract: An illumination homogenizer is provided, including a fly eye-type lens array for receiving radiation from a source, the lens array being comprised of a twelve-lenslet subset of a 4×4 array of lenslets. The illumination homogenizer including a lens array comprised of a 4×4 array of lenslets, or a subset thereof, is also used in combination with a negative lens between a radiation source and the lens array.

Abstract: An optical lens includes a lens effective portion, an inclined portion and a flange portion. The lens effective portion has, on a first side, a lens face with a small radius of curvature and also has, on a second side, a lens face with a large radius of curvature. The inclined portion has, on the first side, an inclined face inclined outwardly from the first side to the second side. The flange portion has, on the second side, a reference face protruding longer than the lens face with the large radius of curvature on the second side. Thus, it is possible to obtain an optical lens which is less susceptible to deformation or chipping and suppresses transmission eccentricity, a compound lens and a method for producing the same, as well as a cemented lens and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A hybrid lens is provided in which a plastic lens made from an ultraviolet curing resin is affixed to a ceramic lens which uses as a glass material a light transmitting ceramic having a permeability of 70% or larger in a visible radiation range and a particle diameter of 40 micrometers to on the order of 120 micrometers and on which chipping flaws having a depth of 50 micrometers to on the order of 60 micrometers are formed.

Abstract: A multiple beam scanning system for scanning light beams onto a photoreceptor of an image forming apparatus. A pre-polygon input and output telecentric optical subsystem includes a beam conditioning system that focuses the light beams in a cross-scan direction, collimates the beams in the scan direction, and individually focuses the beams on a polygonal mirror deflector, which reflects the beams along a first scan path. A post-polygon input and output telecentric optical subsystem redirects the scanned beams along a second scan path and through an output window onto the photoreceptor, wherein the post-polygon subsystem includes a positive cross-scan cylindrical first optical element, a negative cross-scan cylindrical second optical element, and a positive cross-scan cylindrical third optical element. In one embodiment, the three cylindrical optical elements are cylinder mirrors. In another embodiment, one or more of the optical elements are cylinder lenses.

Abstract: A lens is formed to support and tilt at least one microlens formed on the lens. The degree and direction of slope of the microlens can be controlled based on desired focal characteristics to direct light to or from a pixel of a pixel array.

Abstract: An optical element including a plurality of reference members formed on a first side surface, and a method and apparatus for fixedly joining the optical element with the first side surface facing down. The method includes providing a surface including a specific position where the optical element is placed, applying an adhesive agent to a predetermined spot within the specific position in which the optical element is placed, placing the optical element therein, causing the optical element to have convex warpage, and curing the adhesive agent. The apparatus includes mechanisms configured to apply an adhesive agent to a predetermined spot within a specific position of a surface on where the optical element is placed, and to place the optical element therein, and first and second light sources configured to cause the optical element to have convex warpage, and to cure the adhesive agent, respectively.

Abstract: The present microlens for packaging and printing includes a package including a body; and a microlens window located on the body to display at least one graphical image in a first portion of the microlens window and the contents of the package through a second portion of the microlens window.

Abstract: An optical element including a plurality of reference members formed on a first side surface, and a method and apparatus for fixedly joining the optical element with the first side surface facing down. The method includes providing a surface including a specific position where the optical element is placed, applying an adhesive agent to a predetermined spot within the specific position in which the optical element is placed, placing the optical element therein, causing the optical element to have convex warpage, and curing the adhesive agent. The apparatus includes mechanisms configured to apply an adhesive agent to a predetermined spot within a specific position of a surface on where the optical element is placed, and to place the optical element therein, and first and second light sources configured to cause the optical element to have convex warpage, and to cure the adhesive agent, respectively.

Abstract: An exemplary composite lens includes a main body and an embedding member. The main body has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The main body has an optical axis associated therewith. The embedding member is disposed in the main body between the first surface and the second surface. A main plane of the embedding member is perpendicular to the optical axis of the main body. A refractive index of a material of the embedding member is higher than that of the main body. The composite lenses can be made thinner. A method for manufacturing the composite lens is also provided.

Abstract: A focusing lens for an LED is provided.

Abstract: An optical communication module includes a first light-receiving element with a receiving surface in which a light flux with a wavelength ?1 emitted from an end surface of an optical fiber enters; a light-emitting element for emitting a light flux with a wavelength ?2; and a first optical element arranged between the first light-receiving element and the light-emitting element, and the end surface of the optical fiber. The first optical element includes a first optical surface with a positive refractive power and a second optical surface having a diffractive structure. One of the first optical surface and the second optical surface is divided into at least a first optical functional surface and a second optical functional surface through a step difference.

Abstract: An optical sensor (1) having a light source (3) and a device for homogenizing the light beam (9) generated by the light source (3) is provided. Several optical elements with different focal distances cause a homogenization of the light beam (9) in its propagation direction. For homogenizing the light beam (9) perpendicular to its propagation direction, several optical elements are used with alternating focal lengths or widths arranged one next to the other. These are preferably constructed as an array on a front plate.

Abstract: An optical sensor having a light source (3) and a structured front plate (11), which expands the focused light beam (9) of the light source (3) at least in one direction. In one advantageous construction, the structure includes an array with several cylindrical lenses (11). They are preferably constructed by hot stamping the surface the front plate (11). The expanded light beam (9) is suitable, in particular, for detecting narrow objects (1) or edges. The light source (3) and the front plate (11) are each aligned relative to the sensor housing (12).

Abstract: A shutter includes micro-optics having first and second concentrator arrays. A transducer laterally displaces one of the first and second concentrator arrays between transmissive and shuttered modes. In the transmissive mode, the arrays of concentrators are optically aligned to permit electromagnetic energy passing through the first array of concentrators to pass through the second array of concentrators. In the shuttered mode, the electromagnetic radiation is blocked from passing through the second array of concentrators. The concentrators may be compound parabolic concentrators, or lenslets positioned on opposing plates with pinholes printed therethrough. The shutter may increase f-number of radiation passing therethrough, and may be used in a limited f-cone radiation source with shuttering abilities, for example reducing f-cone of radiation output from the radiation source.

Abstract: A fabrication process for zone plate lenses is based on controlled thin layer deposition for fabricating structures as small as 2 nanometers (nm) in width, and potentially smaller. The substrate for deposition will take the form of a precision hole, fabricated in a substrate, such as silicon by electron beam lithography and subsequent reactive ion etching. A controlled layer deposition is then used to form the required zone plate structure. A subsequent thinning process is used to section the hole and produce a zone plate with the required layer thicknesses.

Abstract: There is provided a lighting module of the type having a solid-state light source, in particular a LED, a supporting plate, and a lens; the lens has a recess housing the light source; the lens is supported by and projects from the plate by means of supporting members (25) carried by the lens and for fitting the lens directly to the plate; and the supporting members are formed in one piece with the lens, and are spaced apart and separated from one another by cooling windows.

Abstract: Provided are wafer scale lenses having a diffraction surface as well as a refractive surface, and an optical system having the same. The wafer scale lens includes a lens substrate, a first lens element formed on the object side of the lens substrate, having a positive refractive power, a second lens element formed on the image side of the lens substrate, having a diffraction surface, and a third lens element deposited on the diffraction surface of the second lens element, having a negative refractive power. The invention allows miniaturized optical system and efficient calibration of angle of view, reducing the angle of light incident onto the diffractive surface, thereby increasing diffraction efficiency and eliminating high order diffraction light to improve picture quality.

Abstract: Each shading plate comprises a rotating shaft and a driving shaft arranged vertically. First divided shading plate is loosely fitted to and supported by (not adhere to) the rotating shaft and rotates around the shaft. Second divided shading plates are fixed to the rotating shafts and rotate by rotating movement of the shafts. A driving shaft is connected longitudinally to (not adhere to) an edge of the first divided shading plate and supply power to rotate the first divided shading plates. Recesses are formed at the center of upper short side and at the center of lower short side of the first divided shading plate and the first divided shading plate and the second divided shading plates which form one and the same shading plate are so constructed that their short sides are overlapped each other.

Abstract: An image sensor which may maximize the optical integrity by maximizing the amount of incident light through a microlens layer and a method for manufacturing an image sensor. An image sensor may include a pixel region, a microlens layer, and at least one microlens. The microlens layer may include a plurality of microlenses on the pixel region. At least one microlens has a shape different from the rest of the microlenses.

Abstract: An aperture comprising a round filter portion and at least one annular filter portion is provided. The round filter portion and the annular filter portion are forming a round zone. A transmission wavelength range of the round filter portion is larger than a transmission wavelength range of the annular filter portion. A projection lens system with the aperture can produce images having higher brightness of the images and better image quality.

Abstract: A projection system includes a modulator and a field lens. The modulator is to modulate light in accordance with image data. The field lens is to at least partially collect the light modulated by the modulator. The field lens has a number of elements. Each element has a wedged shape different than wedged shapes of neighboring elements.

Abstract: A packaged container for producing a graphical image. The packaged container includes a container having a side wall defining an interior space and a recessed surface. An interlaced image is provided on the recessed surface, and the packaged container includes a lens element positioned on the side wall to extend across the recessed surface proximate to the printed image and to leave a focusing gap between the lens element and the interlaced image. The lens element includes a plurality of lenses each having a focal point on or about the interlaced image. The lenses have a focal length determined by the thickness of the lens element combined with a depth of the recessed surface as measured from a side of the lens element to the interlaced image. The lens element can be provided in a wrap around label attached to the side wall on both sides of the recessed surface.

Abstract: A beam shaper intended for use in connection with a quasi-monochromatic light source and which is fabricated from a substantially transparent material as a transmission element guiding the propagation of light for rounding, making elliptical, collimating, diverging, converging and/or for the like application of a light beam/beams. The beam shaper has its transmission element guiding the light beam/beams provided with a structure which at least partially consists of binary, surface relief type of diffractive patterns, having local granting periods thereof optimized with respect to longitudinal and transverse directions, as well as with respect to an optical axis, essentially in accordance with the Bragg diffraction geaometry for providing a maximum diffraction efficiency.

Abstract: A first optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from that of the first optical material, and the base has a concavity, and the second optical material is filled in this concavity. A second optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from the first optical material, and the base comprises first and second faces facing each other, a first concavity is formed in the first face and a second concavity is formed in the second face, and the second optical material is filled in the first and second concavities.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which has a reflection suppressing function and a color balance correcting function in a minute periodic structure. The optical element has a base member and a minute periodic structure which is provided on a surface of the base member and has a period smaller than a wavelength of incident light on the optical element. The minute periodic structure has a characteristic that the reflectance of light a first wavelength on a short wavelength side in a wavelength range of the incident light is lower than the reflectance of light at a second wavelength on a long wavelength side in the wavelength range of the incident light.

Abstract: An optical pickup lens device includes, in the order from the light source side, a collimating lens for converting a bundle of rays into parallel rays or predetermined convergent or divergent rays, the collimating lens being movably held along a direction of an optical axis of a bundle of rays emitted from a light source; an aberration correcting element for allowing a bundle of rays emitted from the collimating lens to be transmitted therethrough; and an objective lens element having a numerical aperture of 0.8 or more, and converging a bundle of rays coming from the aberration correcting element onto the information recording medium to form a spot. The aberration correcting element and the objective lens element are integrally held together in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis so as to perform tracking on the information recording medium, and satisfy predetermined conditions.

Abstract: Optical systems providing any or all of better images, brighter images, better optical usability, and better mechanical flexibility are made available to users of catalog lenses. These systems are enabled by apparatus including field compressor/corrector lenses and coordinated groups of field compressor/corrector lenses, and methods which include teaching the user how to make effective use of the apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the field compressor/corrector lenses are newly designed and are adapted to correct a field aberration of standard achromatic doublets. The apparatus may also be extracted from prior art lens combinations by separating these combinations into discrete components. These discrete components are then provided to the user and the user is taught how to combine these components to meet the user's specific requirements.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens system includes, from the object side to the image side, a negative first lens group (1), a positive second lens group (2), a positive third lens group (3) and a positive fourth lens group (4). The first lens group is stationary, and both the second and third lens groups are movable for effecting focal length change. The fourth lens group is also movable to compensate for image plane shift due to focal length change and thereby maintain the position of the image plane. The compact zoom lens system has a significantly reduced lens count and thus has an overall length of only 20 mm while achieving an approximately 3× zoom ratio. Sufficient back focal length is ensured even for such a short overall length. By employing aspheric lenses (10, 20, 301, 31, 41) for aberration correction, a high level of optical performance can be ensured.

Abstract: A single lens for concentrating and refracting electromagnetic energy having a broad energy spectrum onto bands of a target device includes a lens having a flat top side and a plurality of regions, each region refracting the electromagnetic energy and concentrating specific wavelengths onto specific bands of the target device. A focusing detector is also provided.

Abstract: A lens-laminated composite optical element composed of a vitreous optical element having a plane surface to perform inherent optical functions, and a thin and filmy transparent plastic lens portion molded in a curved lens profile and laminated on the plane surface of the vitreous optical element by the use of a mold.